Overview:
We are seeking an experienced and commercially minded Head of Global Compliance / MLRO to lead and strengthen our global compliance framework across cross-border payments, fiat and digital asset trading operations. This role will oversee AML/CFT, sanctions, regulatory compliance, transaction monitoring, and financial crime risk management across multiple jurisdictions.
The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in international payments, crypto/virtual assets, and regulatory compliance across major global markets, with proven experience building scalable compliance programs in fast-paced fintech, payments, banking, or digital asset environments.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead and oversee the global Compliance and AML function across fiat, stablecoin, and cryptocurrency payment and trading activities.
- Design, implement, and continuously optimize robust AML/CFT compliance frameworks tailored to cross-border payments and international trading operations.
- Develop and maintain risk based Customer Due Diligence (CDD) and Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) programs, including management of: High risk jurisdictions and corridors, Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs), Complex corporate ownership structures, High risk customer segments
- Lead and enhance Transaction Monitoring (TM) systems to detect suspicious activities including: Structuring and layering, Rapid movement between fiat and crypto assets, Trade based money laundering (TBML), Unusual geographic or transactional patterns, High velocity and high volume payment flows
- Ensure compliance with FATF Travel Rule requirements and regional virtual asset transfer regulations for both originator and beneficiary information.
- Oversee sanctions compliance programs including screening and controls relating to:
- OFAC, United Nations, European Union, UK sanctions regimes, Embargoed and high risk jurisdictions
- Conduct and oversee VASP counterparty due diligence and risk assessments.
- Manage compliance risks associated with correspondent banking relationships and international liquidity/payment partners.
- Act as the key liaison with regulators, banking partners, auditors, and external stakeholders across jurisdictions.
- Provide strategic guidance to senior management on emerging regulatory developments and financial crime risks.
- Lead regulatory examinations, audits, remediation projects, and internal compliance reviews.
- Build, mentor, and manage high performing global compliance teams across multiple jurisdictions.
- Partner closely with Product, Operations, Trading, Risk, Legal, and Technology teams to ensure compliance requirements are embedded into business operations and new product launches.
Requirements:
- Minimum 10+ years of Compliance, AML, or Financial Crime experience within payments, fintech, crypto, digital assets, or banking industries.
- At least 5+ years in a senior leadership capacity (Head of / Director level) managing regional or global compliance teams.
- Extensive hands on experience supporting cross-border payments, international settlements, and trading involving fiat, stablecoins, and cryptocurrencies.
- Strong understanding of AML risks relating to: Cross-border payments, Multi-currency transaction flows, Crypto asset transfers, Trade finance and international settlements, High risk jurisdictions
- Proven experience designing and implementing enterprise level AML and sanctions compliance frameworks.
- Deep expertise in transaction monitoring systems, suspicious activity detection methodologies, and financial crime typologies.
- Strong working knowledge of FATF guidance, Travel Rule implementation, and global virtual asset regulations.
- Experience handling regulatory licensing, examinations, and compliance obligations across multiple jurisdictions.
- Strong knowledge of global sanctions programs and financial crime controls.
- Experience with trade based money laundering (TBML), correspondent banking risk, and VASP due diligence is highly preferred.
- Excellent stakeholder management, leadership, and communication skills.
- Ability to operate effectively in a fast paced and evolving regulatory environment.
